5-Day Itinerary for Gangtok in June 2023

  1. Day 1: Enchey Monastery
    15 minutes (5 km) from Gangtok City Centre

    Visit the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery that was built on the site blessed by Lama Druptab Karpo. Explore the intricate carvings and paintings that adorn the monastery. You can also view the annual Chaam dance during the Buddhist festival of Losar.

  2. Day 2: Tsomgo Lake
    1 hour 30 minutes (40 km) from Enchey Monastery

    Take a scenic drive to Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 3780 meters. Enjoy the turquoise waters of the lake and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re lucky, you may spot the rare Brahminy ducks. You can also ride yaks around the lake.

  3. Day 3: Nathula Pass
    2 hours (54 km) from Tsomgo Lake

    Visit Nathula Pass, which connects India and China. At an altitude of 4310 meters, it offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. You need special permits to visit the pass, so make sure you have them in advance. You can also do some shopping at the Indo-China border trade market.

  4. Day 4: Rumtek Monastery
    1 hour 15 minutes (23 km) from Nathula Pass

    Visit the largest monastery in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery. It is a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet and is home to some of the rarest Buddhist artefacts. You can also attend the annual Tibetan Buddhist festival of Kagyat.

  5. Day 5: Banjhakri Falls
    30 minutes (10 km) from Rumtek Monastery

    Visit the Banjhakri Falls, surrounded by lush green forests and stunning rock formations. You can also see the traditional tribal sculptures and murals depicting the culture of the Lepcha community. Enjoy a picnic by the falls or go for a refreshing swim.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Enchey Monastery (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Tsomgo Lake (3-4 hours, INR 400 per person for a shared taxi)
  • Nathula Pass (4-5 hours, INR 5000 per vehicle for a shared taxi)
  • Rumtek Monastery (2-3 hours, INR 10 per person for entry)
  • Banjhakri Falls (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person for entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 510 per person
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